RIP Michaela and deepest sympathises to the Harte and MacReavey families.
It is so sad, I think the whole GAA community is suffering from shock as we all feel like we know the Harte's, as if they are part of our parish. Was watching one of the English news programs and in fairness they put it very well. "They said to understand how shocked and upset the GAA community are one must understand that Mickey Harte is one of the kings of the GAA, so Michaela's untimely death is like the people loosing their princess."
And what a princess she was, gone but not forgotten.

antomeath (Meath) - Posts: 56 - 13/01/2011 20:29:15    845887

So so so sad, her and her husband and her family represent everything that good modern Irish people should be. This has touched my heart and I hope her proud and honourable family and friends can find some solace from the beautiful life she led.

CheFinny (UK) - Posts: 1358 - 14/01/2011 13:10:26    846143

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dilís

Sincere sympathy to John, and both the Harte and McAreavey families on this heartbreaking time.

choctaw (Cork) - Posts: 274 - 14/01/2011 18:44:07    846490

Very moving there with Ryan Tubridy on The Late Late Show. He was nearly in tears when Kathryn Thomas mentioned Michaela.

Ulsterman (Antrim) - Posts: 9816 - 14/01/2011 21:41:26    846671

this is both very sad , and very tragic my prayers are with the families concerned , my she rest in peace . R.I.P.

ta32 (Tyrone) - Posts: 4907 - 15/01/2011 16:02:19    846902

Sweet Michaela from Tyrone


We knew you first as Daddy's Girl,
You were always by his side,
As this great Tyrone Team came of age,
And swept all before them like a tide.

You were so happy and so friendly,
And you always thought of others,
A real credit to your Mum and Dad,
And adored by your three Brothers.

Your charm and your beauty,
Shone out for all to see,
You were, the perfect Ulster Rose,
In the Dome down in Tralee.

We saw you on Your Wedding Day,
You were such a Happy Bride,
With Your Husband John from County Down,
Standing proudly at your side.

But, alas your time together.
Was ended all too soon.
When your precious life was taken,
While on your Honeymoon.

Now the whole GAA Community,
Will mourn, one of our own,
May you rest in peace forever,
Sweet Michaela from Tyrone.


Brendan O'C
Donaghmore Ashbourne GAA Club

1958 (Meath) - Posts: 9 - 15/01/2011 16:18:55    846912

This is what the GAA is about, off the field of play, it is a nation wide social club for the good and the bad times. I know from experence what the GAA community is like in times of loss. Players and officials from arch rival clubs came to support my family as well as our own club and broader community at a time of loss. I hope the Harte and McAreevy families can find a little comfort in that too.

It was Fr. McAleer I heard saying that the Irish wake is a spectular and special thing, the way everyone rallies around the family during a time of grief.

wise_guy (Tyrone) - Posts: 1584 - 15/01/2011 16:28:40    846921

It would be good to hear from folks who attended Michaelas wake.

brendtheredhand (Tyrone) - Posts: 10897 - 15/01/2011 17:47:56    846968

Lads from Tyrone, I sent a mass card to the Harte family in ballygawley, Tyrone. Is that enough of an address to get there do you think? Cannot get the poor girl out of my thoughts. It's just so massively tragic on so many levels.

Jackeen (Dublin) - Posts: 4097 - 15/01/2011 19:35:33    847031

I just want to say as a GAA man I have the utmost respect for Mickey Harte for his philosophy not only for football but for life. I have read his book and one line that has stayed with me is "respect uniquness". It a view of an intelligent man who is open to all personalities. I always remember Michaela been by his side at all games and I feel she was a spark not only for him but for the team. She foresaw the greatness of Tyrone before everyone else which shows she had a deep knowledge of the players. This is far bigger than sport however and my deepest sympathy to her family, friends and anybody associated with her and Tyrone. With all the tragedy that has happened since 1997 with Paul McGirr you have always paraded great dignity and I expect no different from such a proud county!

Rosfan (Roscommon) - Posts: 778 - 15/01/2011 19:52:41    847039

Jackeen It will get there no problem , Brendan O'C
Donaghmore Ashbourne GAA Club very moving very apt .

I was reading a condolence message on the Tyrone web site left by a pupil of her school, simply read " We miss you loads Miss" followed by a sad face .

fortyfive (Tyrone) - Posts: 5929 - 15/01/2011 20:11:43    847053

Brendan O'C,

Lovely moving poem !! Well done !!

Cavan_Slasher (Cavan) - Posts: 10253 - 15/01/2011 20:57:19    847079

This has gone beyond the GAA community; Michaela's death has touched the Irish people's pyche..........yesterday I was in Dublin and the taxi driver was telling me that everyone he has picked up since Monday has been talking about Michaela's tragic death and how sad it is. God bless the girl, her family, her community-they stand for what is good about our country.

Lovely poem Brendan O C.

kerrykerry (Kerry) - Posts: 1779 - 16/01/2011 14:31:30    847245

The thing I admire about Mickey Harte is how strong he is with this situation. Reading Mickeys book last year it is evident that he is a strong catholic and hopefully his faith will help him through his time of need, I really cant belive how Michaelas sudden and tragic death has effected me and although I didnt know her. Mickey Harte was there to support our club members when we needed it in our time of need, Mickey and Brian Dooher brought the Sam Maguire Cup to Brian and said a few prayers, This was just a few days after Mickeys crash and he used his rosary ring with Brian. I know Mickey has the full respect of everyone in the whole GAA community no matter what county, Hopefully this will ease the pain a bit. I have complete and total respect for Mickey Harte I would just like to send him my sincerest, deepest sympathies to him and Marian, Michael, Matthew and Mark and John on the tragic loss of this beautiful daughter sister and wife, Michaela,

God bless The Hartes and John McAreavey may Michaela be safe with the angels in heaven xx

Orlaith (Derry) - Posts: 4282 - 16/01/2011 14:56:57    847255

Ar Dheis De go raibh a anam. Really sorry for your loss.

iarmhi65 (Westmeath) - Posts: 5 - 17/01/2011 09:48:29    847588

There is a picture on the BBC news site of Michaela and John on honeymoon and she looked absolutely radiant, the sort of person who could light up a room simply by her presence, its just so hard to believe that only a matter of days after that was taken her life was cut short, for what, its still makes me shed a tear even now.

brendtheredhand (Tyrone) - Posts: 10897 - 17/01/2011 09:53:04    847590

Just back from the All Ireland Club QF in Ruislip bewtween Cross and Neasdon, the mood was sombre and Michaela was in everyones thoughts all weekend. God look after her.

Tom1916 (Armagh) - Posts: 2001 - 17/01/2011 12:46:34    847745

Thinking of the Harte and McAreavey families on this very difficult day for them.

men_of_49 (Meath) - Posts: 2003 - 17/01/2011 13:26:10    847780

RIP - Harte family in my thoughts & Prayer

saulgael (Down) - Posts: 553 - 17/01/2011 14:18:13    847839

God help them, no parents or husband should have to go through what the Hartes and John McAreavey are going through today. Sincere sympathy and please God let this be the end of the tragedy for Tyrone.

Gabriel. (Down) - Posts: 412 - 17/01/2011 18:03:49    848153